Across from him, his friend Maya was busy sketching on an iPad. She was part of the growing "thrifting" movement, sourcing 90s oversized blazers from and upcycling them with hand-painted traditional motifs. To them, culture wasn't just about looking back; it was about "remixing."
For Indonesian youth, the internet is not just a tool; it is a shared living space.
Open conversations about anxiety, burnout, and therapy are highly prevalent online. Terms like "healing" (often used humorously to justify a weekend trip or a coffee purchase) and "self-care" are core to the youth lexicon. Across from him, his friend Maya was busy
Despite periodic government crackdowns on imported secondhand clothing, thrifting culture ( thrift shopping or awul-awul ) thrives. It satisfies both the desire for unique vintage aesthetics and economic practicality.
A massive trend among Gen Z is the Berkain movement. Young Indonesians are reclaiming traditional textiles like Batik and Songket, styling them casually with sneakers, crop tops, oversized blazers, and graphic tees for everyday wear. Open conversations about anxiety, burnout, and therapy are
Indonesia's youth are curating a soundtrack that perfectly mirrors their culture—a dynamic, harmonious blend of global hits and local heart. While pop music remains the most popular genre, a surprising resurgence shows that local beats are not only surviving but thriving.
: Rather than discarding traditional values, Gen Z is reinterpreting them. Core concepts like guyub (togetherness, communal harmony) strongly influence how they relate to others and even to brands. This connection to heritage is also driving a resurgence of interest in local arts. For example, museum visits surged by 400% in 2025 following a national culture contest, showing that history can go viral. University students are even developing virtual reality platforms based on Javanese philosophy to promote self-reflection and mental well-being. It satisfies both the desire for unique vintage
Some of the current trends among Indonesian youth include:
: South Korean music, fashion, and dramas hold immense sway, making Indonesia one of the largest K-pop fanbases globally.